Ban urges ‘maximum restraint’ in wake of reported fighting at border between Ethiopia and Eritrea

Deeply concerned by reports of fighting on 12 and 13 June on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who is on an official visit to Belgium, met in Brussels today with top officials from both the African countries, with the parties calling for maximum restraint.

A statement issued by his spokesperson confirmed that Mr. Ban discussed the issue in his meeting in Brussels today with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, while the Deputy Secretary-General called the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea.

“They urged both Governments to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any act or statement that could exacerbate the situation,” said the statement, which added that they also called on both Governments to resolve their differences through peaceful means, including by ensuring the full implementation of the peace agreement they signed in 2000.

The United Nations, according to the statement, remains available to assist the two countries in this endeavour.